Distinguishing between power cables and control cables requires attention to the following points

May 03,2025

SIZE

Power cables are used for transmitting and distributing electrical energy. They are commonly used in urban underground power grids, power plant outgoing lines, external power supply for industrial and mining enterprises, and cross-river and underwater power transmission lines. Power cables are cable products used to transmit and distribute high-power electrical energy in the main branch lines of the power system. They include various voltage levels from 1 to 500 kV and above, and various insulated power cables. Control cables are polyvinyl chloride insulated and sheathed control cables suitable for use in industrial and mining enterprises, power transportation departments, and places where AC rated voltage is below 450/750 volts for control and protection lines. Both have similar structures, but their uses are vastly different, requiring careful distinction during use.

To distinguish between power cables and control cables, pay attention to the following points:

1. Check the rated voltage. The rated voltage of power cables is generally 0.6/1 kV and above, while control cables are mainly 450/750 V.

2. Check the thickness of the insulation and sheath. In the production of unusually specified power cables and control cables, the insulation and sheath thickness of power cables are thicker than those of control cables.

3. Check the implementation standards on the control cable. Control cables belong to electrical equipment cables, and are two of the five major categories of cables. The standard for power cables is GB12706, and the standard for control cables is GB/T9330. Control cables should also meet the technical conditions of the IEC337-8 standard.

4. Check the color of the insulated core wires. The insulation sleeves of each inner core of high-voltage power cables are generally color-coded; while the insulated core wires of control cables are generally black with white lettering.

5. Check the cross-section of the control cable. Power cables primarily transmit power and generally have a large cross-section, while the cross-section of control cables generally does not exceed 10 square millimeters. The specifications of power cables can generally be larger, up to 500 square millimeters (the range that conventional manufacturers can produce); while the cross-section of control cables is generally smaller, generally not exceeding 10 square millimeters.

6. Check the number of cable cores. In terms of the number of cable cores, power cables generally have a maximum of 5 cores according to grid requirements, while control cables transmit control signals and have more cores. According to standards, there are as many as 61 cores, but they can also be produced according to user requirements.

Tag:


Recommended News


Xingzhou Cable, through the construction of a digital workshop information system, connects to the State Grid Electric Equipment Smart Internet of Things platform

Through the construction of a digital workshop information system and connection with the State Grid Electric Power Equipment Smart Internet of Things platform, basic information service systems such as ERP, MES, information collection, and enterprise data center analysis have been gradually implemented.

Methods for testing the insulation strength of insulated wires and cables

The dielectric strength of wires and cables refers to the ability of the insulation structure and material to withstand an electric field without breakdown. To check the quality of wire and cable products and ensure safe operation, all types of insulated wires and cables generally undergo dielectric strength tests. Dielectric strength tests can be divided into withstand voltage tests and breakdown tests.

Distinguishing between power cables and control cables requires attention to the following points

Power cables are cables used for transmitting and distributing electrical energy. They are commonly used in urban underground power grids, power plant outgoing lines, external power supply for industrial and mining enterprises, and cross-river and underwater power transmission lines. Power cables are cable products used to transmit and distribute high-power electrical energy in the main branch lines of the power system. They include various voltage levels from 1 to 500 kV and above, and various insulated power cables.

Xingzhou Cable explains the difference between flame-retardant cables and fire-resistant cables

The concepts of flame-retardant cables and fire-resistant cables are different; a correct understanding is crucial for proper design and selection. People often confuse flame-retardant and fire-resistant cables. While flame-retardant cables offer many advantages suitable for chemical plants, such as low halogen, low smoke, and flame retardancy, fire-resistant cables can generally replace flame-retardant cables, but not vice versa.